Managed Security Services (MSS) Presales Specialist

Date: 6 May 2025

Location: Birmingham, GB, B37 7ES London, GB, EC1V 0BQ London, GB, EC1V 0BQ Birmingham, GB, B37 7ES

Company: LRQA

Role Purpose

 

The MSS Presales Specialist plays a critical role in bridging the gap between client security requirements and our technical managed services offering. Reporting directly into the Head of PreSales, this position combines deep cybersecurity knowledge with strong commercial awareness, enabling the design and articulation of tailored MSS solutions that meet client needs while aligning with LRQA’s broader service capabilities.

This is a front-facing, client-engaging role, ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and enjoys translating complex technical concepts into commercially viable outcomes. The successful candidate will bring real-world experience from within an MSSP—ideally across both Managed SOC and other security services like managed vulnerability and penetration testing.

 

Key Responsibilities

 

Client Engagement & Solution Design

  • Act as a trusted advisor to clients, engaging early in the sales cycle to understand their security challenges and business goals.

  • Lead solution scoping sessions and workshops, shaping bespoke MSS solutions aligned to client needs.

  • Design and propose services across our portfolio, with particular focus on Microsoft Sentinel and CrowdStrike integrations.

  • Deliver tailored product demonstrations, technical deep-dives, and client presentations that clearly articulate value.

 

Proposal Development & RFP Responses

  • Take ownership of the technical content in proposals, RFIs, and RFP responses—ensuring solutions are clearly documented and commercially sound.

  • Collaborate with Sales and Bid Teams to develop winning strategies and compelling service narratives.

  • Maintain a library of reusable technical artefacts and boilerplate responses.

 

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Act as the interface between Sales, Engineering, and Delivery—ensuring smooth transitions from presales into live service.

  • Work closely with the SOC Engineering team to ensure feasibility of proposed solutions and alignment to current capability.

  • Provide feedback to product and delivery teams based on market insights and evolving client expectations.

 

Market & Technology Insight

  • Maintain a current and deep understanding of the MSS and SOC landscape, especially in relation to SIEM, SOAR, and EDR technologies.

  • Stay on top of competitor positioning to help differentiate LRQA’s offering effectively in the market.

  • Feed insights back into marketing and proposition development to help shape future offerings.

 

 

Desirable Skills/Qualifications

  • Proven experience in a presales, solutions architect, or technical consultancy role within a Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP).

  • Hands-on expertise with SIEM and EDR tooling, particularly Microsoft Sentinel and CrowdStrike Falcon.

  • Sound understanding of SOC operations and broader MSS offerings (e.g., managed detection & response, managed pen testing, vulnerability management).

  • Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills—comfortable presenting to both technical and non-technical audiences.

  • Experience shaping and responding to complex security RFPs and proposals.

  • Ability to work across multiple engagements in parallel while maintaining high quality and attention to detail.

  • Comfortable operating in a fast-moving, high-accountability environment with a client-first mindset.

 

Key Performanace Indicators

  • Win rate on MSS opportunities supported.

  • RFP response quality and conversion rate.

  • Quality and timeliness of proposals and SoWs.

  • Client satisfaction and feedback during presales engagements.

  • Accuracy and completeness of scoping (based on post-sales delivery feedback).

  • Sales enablement support provided (e.g., training sessions, collateral development).

 

Key Working Relationships

  • Sales and Account Management Teams

  • SOC Engineering and Monitoring Teams

  • Head of Managed Security Solutions

  • Offensive Security and Threat Intelligence Teams

  • Product Management and Delivery Operations

  • Clients and Prospective Clients

 

Behavioural Competencies

  • Commercially aware with a strong customer orientation

  • Confident communicator with the ability to simplify the complex

  • Team player who thrives in a collaborative environment

  • Detail-driven and methodical, especially under time pressure

  • Passionate about cybersecurity and staying ahead of the curve

  • Self-starter who takes ownership and drives results